The Toronto Blue Jays wrapped up their series with the Boston Red Sox on Thursday, but the real story right now is the injury report. Manager John Schneider gave a pretty thorough update on a handful of key guys before the game, and there’s actually some good news mixed in there.
Center fielder Daulton Varsho has been on the 10-day injured list with a left wrist injury. Schneider said there’s a chance Varsho could be activated Saturday when he’s first eligible. But it’s not automatic. He’s going to have to push it in the next couple of days. According to Shi Davidi, Schneider put it this way: Varsho will have to do a lot today and tomorrow. If he’s not ready by this weekend, he might need a rehab game or two before coming back.
Varsho last played June 9. He’s hitting .256 with five homers and 17 RBIs in 64 games. Not huge numbers, but he’s been solid defensively and the lineup could use his left-handed bat.
Addison Barger and Lenyn Sosa still working back
Addison Barger has been out since May 9 with an elbow issue. Schneider said he’s progressing toward rehab games either this weekend or early next week. That’s a step forward. Infielder Lenyn Sosa, who’s been sidelined since May 26 with a wrist injury, is a little behind Barger according to the manager.
Neither guy was a huge part of the lineup yet, but depth matters. And right now Toronto needs every warm body it can get.
Anthony Santander still waiting for 2026 debut
Maybe the most interesting update involves Anthony Santander. He hasn’t played a game for the Blue Jays yet in 2026 after coming over in free agency. He’s been recovering from shoulder surgery. But Schneider said Santander is due to start hitting next week and remains on track for a return in August.
Schneider noted that Santander is very aware of how his body feels, and getting to the point where he can start swinging is a good sign. It means the shoulder is feeling right.
The Blue Jays signed Santander to a five-year deal worth $92.5 million last winter. They knew he’d miss time early on, but if he can get back by August and produce like he did in Baltimore — 44 homers in 2024 — that could change the look of this offense down the stretch.
For now, it’s a waiting game on all four guys. But at least there’s some actual dates to watch for now.
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